The kitchen is one of the rooms in the house in which more life is made and the kitchen tap is one of the elements that is used the most. It is important to be correct in the choice of the tap to be installed and to ensure its durability.
Before starting any change, you should check that the water pressure received in the home is adequate. For proper operation, kitchen taps need a minimum flow pressure of 1.0 bar to 2 to 3 bar.
If you are not going to reform the entire kitchen, you must take into account the existing domestic installation so that the tap adapts well to it. Some of the best-selling brands in kitchen faucets, due to the quality and durability of their products.
If you are planning to design your kitchen, the following kitchen faucets user guide will surely help you.
1. Types of Installation:
One of the first things you need to consider is the types of installation in your kitchen.
Installation on a shelf: It is the most frequent, the tap is fixed on the sink or the kitchen marble.
Installation on the wall: Very used in the past, it differs because the connections of the kitchen taps come out of the wall. If you have an installation of this type, it is important to take into account the total width of the connections, which is usually 15cm.
However, if they are very old installations, they may measure less (between 11cm and 13cm). For these cases, the taps incorporate accessories called eccentrics, which are pieces that connect the tap to the wall sockets and are used to adjust the width of the connections.
2. Types of Kitchen Faucet:
Kitchen faucets with high or vertical spout: They are ideal for kitchens without a window near the faucet or with a window that does not open inwards.
They provide a large space in the sink and facilitate the hand washing of dishes, pots, or any bulky object. They are taps suitable for any type of installation, both on a shelf and a wall.
Faucets with low or horizontal spout: They are ideal for kitchens where the window is in front of the tap and with an inward opening. The low spout allows it to be opened easily.
They are taps, however, that leave less space in the sink. They are suitable for any type of installation, both on a shelf and a wall.
Pull-out spout kitchen faucets: The pull-out spout is compatible with both high and low spout taps. Through it, they allow you to pull the end where the water comes out and be able to reach it where it is needed.
The length of the hose does not usually exceed 50cm. Only suitable for shelf installations.
Faucets with folding spout: The spout can be folded on itself. Suitable for shelf installations and compatible with high or vertical spout taps.
Two-way taps: They have two water outlets. One can come from osmosis equipment or a purifier and the other directly from the network.
They are ideal if you want to install a purifier or osmosis equipment at home because it avoids the installation of a second tap. They are only suitable for over-the-counter installations and compatible with high and low spout taps.
Kitchen taps with spring spout: Also called chefs or professionals, as they are inspired by professional kitchen taps, they have a spring that prevents their rigidity and allows them to be molded according to needs. Only suitable for shelf installations.
3. Kitchen Faucet Knob:
One of the most important parts of the tap, and on which you also have to decide, is the control:
Single-lever: You can control the water flow and temperature with one hand, thanks to the ceramic cartridges it incorporates. The lever can be positioned both on the front and on the side of the faucet body.
Two-handle or monoblock: They are two-handle taps that adapt to any type of kitchen style, one for hot water and the other for cold water. They can be mounted on the countertop and you can regulate the water flow and temperature.
4. Faucet Measurements:
It is important to ensure that the kitchen faucet measures fit the sink so that it covers it completely. You also need to consider the height of the spout because if it is too high it will splash the water and if it is too low it will not allow easy washing.
5. Style:
Other issues such as style and design are also important in the kitchen. Ideally, you want a balance between design and functionality. It should highlight the work area but at the same time, it has to be practical.
If you have an open kitchen, we recommend that you opt for a mixer tap with refined lines to harmonize with space. For more traditional kitchens, the two-knob monoblock will be more suitable.
Hobbyists will especially appreciate the removable spouts, whether they are hand showers or removable aerators, as both add functionality when it comes to washing and is very practical.
6. Finishes:
The finishes of the material give a special and definitive touch to the kitchen:
The stainless steel and chrome taps are valid for any type of kitchen. The former has antibacterial properties and provides a very modern professional and industrial touch. Glossy chrome stands out in the kitchen, especially when combined with a concrete countertop and sink.
To achieve greater durability, it is recommended to choose a tap with a solid metal body and ceramic disc cartridges that facilitate a soft and comfortable use.
The choice of a prestigious manufacturer not only ensures the level of quality of the materials used in its manufacture, but also the guarantee of the product.
So, this is our complete kitchen faucets buying guide. For those, who do not have much experience in the products of the faucet, this guide will surely be helpful.